A Tynwald debate later this month could signal unprecedented change for farming in the Isle of Man.

Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne will bring forward the Countryside Care Scheme at the December sitting.

It's taken three years to put together and has involved wide consultation within interested parties.

If approved, it will bring an end to farmers being told what they have to produce in return for subsidies. Instead they will be paid for looking after the countryside and be able to produce whatever they want for sale.

Mr Gawne (pictured) says as things stand farmers on the Island are struggling to make ends meet and the CCS model - already well established in Europe - could make a big difference.

However, he acknowledges it would be a huge shift for the industry (play attached audio file):

More on Friday's Mandate.